1. EAT WHAT’S IN SEASON.
Eating seasonal, local produce ensures that you are not compromising the natural nutrients of fruits and vegetables that have been frozen, picked before their ripeness, and then preserved with additives and chemicals. Local produce lessens the dependence on outside food sources by not supporting transportation costs, packaging, and advertising and supports local farms and businesses. The fact that seasonal produce is also more cost effective is a bonus. Visit your local farmer’s market.To find out what’s in season in your area, you can go to http://www.epicurious.com for an interactive, seasonal map or download a free app such as Eat Local.

2. QUALITY NOT QUANTITY.
Like any other resource, food is also subject to the simple economic principle of supply and demand. Buy what you need when you need it and choose quality over quantity. When we buy bulk food just because it’s cheaper, it not only compromises the quality, but also drives the supply to meet the demand. Eating clean means eating whole foods which are free of pesticides as well as dairy products and meat, free of hormones and antibiotics.

3. SLOW FOOD NOT FAST FOOD
To be honest, it takes time to shop and cook at home. It takes foresight to plan meals and dedication to eating clean. Cook big on the weekends if time is a limit during the week and prep ahead of time. When you cook homemade food, you control the quality of the food, it’s flavor and the way it’s prepared. Ultimately, it translates to less dependence on someone else’s profit for your food.

4. GROW YOUR OWN.
No matter where you live, you can grow food. You don’t have to be a master gardener or spend every spare minute weeding a garden. If you have a kitchen window, you can grow your own herbs. Swap resources with friends and neighbors who grow their own or look into co-ops and community farms in your area, such as Food Not Lawns.

5. BE A CONSCIENTIOUS CONSUMER.
We all have to spend money on food, but it’s up to you how you choose to spend it. Read your labels. Try Meatless Mondays to reduce your consumption of meat and increase vegetables and fruit. Do your research on hormones such as rbST and antibiotics in beef, dairy products, and poultry and make an informed decision. Know what companies and large conglomerates are “outsourcing” your food. In short, know where your food is coming from and shop wisely.